This morning I attended a special event organized by students and staff of Seneca College's two year diploma program called "Social Services Worker - Immigrants and Refugees". This program has a truly spectacular diversity of students and teachers who come from around the world, many of whom had to overcome very challenging paths of persecution, violence and wars.
Six awards were handed out to citizens and activists who are putting enormous energy in making a new home in Canada for newcomers to Canada. One of the awards was for the federal government in facilitating the welcoming of refugee families from Syria. It was accepted by an MP from the GTA who himself arrived in Canada many years ago as a refugee. Another award was given to the Ontario government for facilitation the settling of refugees, and this was received by Minister Chan of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade for Ontario.
Students of the SSW-IR program talked about their studies and there was an auction of the artwork they produced during one of their courses ("Arts & Healing"). There were a few dancers, singers and poetry performances which were so captivating that I forgot to make photos....
The Program Chair Biljana spoke, and the Program Coordinator Soheila enlightened us as well. Staff from the college's First Nations Office also presented with some wise words and reminders for us all to be human beings first and foremost.
And they had a very good crowd coming out of students, staff and community representatives. All in all two hours which flew by. Thanks for inviting me, Soheila! Big hug!!
